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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 2 1 THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR MAKING THE INNAGURAL LIVE+ WORK IN MAIN OPEN A SUCCESS! Inform. Engage. Connect. WWW.MAINEBIZ.BIZ F U L L C O N T E N T S O N PA G E 4 F O C U S H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M 14 S TA R T I N G O N PA G E 1 2 H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M F O C U S manager of Kennebunkport's Nonantum Resort, which has Looking to salvage the lodging season, these inns took their dining outside $2.00 June 29, 2020 VO L . X X V I N O. X I V www.mainebiz.biz F U L L C O N T E N T S O N PA G E 4 F O C U S H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M 17 Bar Harbor blues The pandemic has put a crimp on visits to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. 14 Outdoor startups Startups are staying nimble and making their mark in Maine's $3 billion outdoor- recreation economy. S TA R T I N G O N PA G E 1 2 H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M F O C U S P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Tina Hewett-Gordon, general manager of Kennebunkport's Nonantum Resort, which has opened an outdoor restaurant on the lawn. INNside OUT Looking to salvage the lodging season, these inns took their dining outside B y M a u r e e n M i l l i k e n $2.00 June 29, 2020 VO L . X X V I N O. X I V www.mainebiz.biz F U L L C O N T E N T S O N PA G E 4 F O C U S H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M 17 Bar Harbor blues The pandemic has put a crimp on visits to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. 14 Outdoor startups Startups are staying nimble and making their mark in Maine's $3 billion outdoor- recreation economy. S TA R T I N G O N PA G E 1 2 H O S P I TA L I T Y / T O U R I S M F O C U S P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Tina Hewett-Gordon, general manager of Kennebunkport's Nonantum Resort, which has opened an outdoor restaurant on the lawn. INNside OUT Looking to salvage the lodging season, these inns took their dining outside B y M a u r e e n M i l l i k e n $2.00 June 29, 2020 VO L . X X V I N O. X I V www.mainebiz.biz Access Maine's source for business news C R E D I T S & D E B I T S A S K AC E UMaine trustees vote to keep in-state tuition flat — Good news for students Brunswick rocket maker bluShift lands first commercial deal in 'new space' — Rocket scientists and businesspeople Maine home prices make biggest jump so far this year — Median home price is now $305,000 As Americans seek out safe states, Maine ranks high on two lists — Safe places come at a cost, though (see above) Frenchman Bay residents to salmon farmers: 'You're not welcome here' — A cold shoulder for a cold-water project Personal income in Maine has soared more than almost any state's, and here's why — Thanks to those stimulus checks A lesser-known Maine fishery tallies $1,849 a pound for recent season — No chance we'll see "elver rolls" at the local lobster shack P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F U M A I N E S Y S T E M University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy A n s w e r e d B y T e r r y J o h n s o n o f P r a c t i c a l D e c i s i o n s The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value "Success through Collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. ACE President Terry Johnson of Practical Decisions provides practical professional support for established businesses and start-ups. He also manages MCE's Maine Mentor Network. He can be reached at terry@practicaldecisions.com. Q: I'm a skilled professional about to become a member of the gig economy. But what is it? ACE advises: The gig economy is the sum of independent service contrac- tors, the work they perform and the busi- nesses that pay them. Gig workers are entrepreneurs and essential contribu- tors to the entrepreneur community. It is estimated that by 2027 more than half of U.S. workers will be self-employed. The COVID pandemic is accelerat- ing the self-employment trend through 1) remote work and 2) an economic downturn. Ryan Wallace, Director of the Maine Center for Business and Economic Research, says remote work more than doubled between 2000 and 2016. COVID increased those numbers. Katie Shorey, director of engage- ment at Live + Work in Maine, says, "Highly skilled people now wor k remotely because of COVID. They can live where they want. Maine's quality of life naturally supports remote work." During an economic downturn, more skilled professionals are looking for work. Remote technology allows them to find opportunities without moving. Every start-up is a potential client. Maine impact When talent comes to Maine, it becomes known and available to Maine employers; also, employees change jobs. This fluidity leads to "knowledge spillover" and new businesses. "Side hustles" are a hedge against economic downturn. They often evolve into full-time self-employment. For busi- nesses, contractors may make more sense than new hires. The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs relies on its mentor network to match star t-ups with needed talent and advice. Experienced, independent mentors make up most of the network. Professional relationships often form after MCE's programs.

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